Cracking the AUBG code: In praise of being the talk of the dorm

(Updated March 22, 2009) Skaptopara dorms: the place where the crisis hit first. I'd even argue it was initiated here. People just stopped minding their own business, and went into other people's, thus leaving their own unattended, and, eventually, going out of... BUS, and into JMC (the dream of many!). Now, one can argue most inhabitants of this crisis monument thrive on other people's matters, always looking for breaking news and this-just-ins. But we all know what the inconvenient truth is - gossip is all around us, just like Christmas in December, or like love in February. It's just a bit more long-lived.

I went to Istanbul during the Spring Break with my boyfriend (photos to be uploaded on facebook soon, by me or somebody else, no worries). Two days after the idea of going crossed our minds, around 15 people asked me whether we are really going. The first person stunned me with their intrusion. When the last one approached me, I asked her where we were going to stay, because we hadn't decided yet. The answer was simple "Oh, some hostel, right? Cause I heard you were going to meet the Spaniards there?" Interestingly enough, we did meet them there... And this must only flatter AUBG, the motherland of all future leaders of the region. We produce some quality people! They take gossip to a whole new level. Long sleepless hours of researching and writing have paid off well. I guess drinking great quantities of coffee does grant you the magical ability of reading the future. Students are now able to draw conclusions, and make educated guesses. Even our beloved Dutchman would agree that they expanded the dictionary entry for "assume."

I don't mind all the gossip. I guess there's always a bright side to it right? If you were too drunk to remember who you hooked up with in Underground last night, or last night three years ago don't worry. It's a good thing there's always someone who remembers, who is counting, and keeping a meticulous alphabetical list. There's always someone who is willing to devote their precious time - since we are the busy AUBGers we all claim to be - to systemize your own personal spreadsheet of break-ups, make-ups, hook-ups, bad hair days, falling asleep in class days, etc...

I would love to say there's a great moral to my column, but I'm not trying to copy La Fontaine. Certainly, I can't get that hypocritical as to write about morals, when it comes to gossip. It's good to be a subject of gossip. Trust me. You want to be on the talked-about side. It really only means you do have a life. It also means workshops and classes entitled "Crisis Management," will be in high demand at AUBG. Ironically enough, I am enrolled in "Crisis Communications Management," and I should tell you - it's a research-oriented one.

XOXO,
Sue